Mediation is a voluntary, out of court alternative to resolve legal issues between spouses or common law partners. Both partners have to agree to use mediation and neither one can be forced to use mediation. Mediation can be used to resolve issues like:

• Child custody and access
• Child and spousal support
• Division of property, including the matrimonial home

A Mediator is a person who is trained to help resolve legal issues in an unbiased way. A mediator can assist the parties to negotiate matters and reach an agreement.

Benefits of Mediation:

• Less expensive than going to court
• Both parties sit face to face with a neutral mediator in a positive environment.
• Parties have more idea about the outcome.
• Parties can communicate better and resolve legal issues without any outside pressures.
• The mediator works for both parties and is unbiased.